Centrist senator Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party surged ahead in Bolivia’s presidential election on Sunday, securing 32.18% of the vote in early official results. Conservative former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga of the Alianza coalition trailed in second with 26.94%, while Eduardo del Castillo of the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) languished at just 3.16% — setting the stage for MAS’s worst defeat in a generation.
The outcome surprised analysts, as polls had shown Paz far behind his rivals. Businessman Samuel Doria Medina of Unidad Alliance conceded defeat and pledged to support Paz in a possible runoff. With no candidate likely to cross the 40% threshold with a 10-point lead, Bolivia is headed for a runoff on October 19. Outgoing President Luis Arce called the results a triumph of democracy, while voter turnout remained steady despite boycott calls from former president Evo Morales.
Bolivia’s economic crisis, marked by inflation soaring to 23% and dollar shortages, dominated the campaign. Many voters who once backed MAS switched allegiances, citing frustration over rising costs and stagnation. Paz, promising a “50-50 economic model” to decentralize funds to regional governments, pitched himself as a new face with experience, while Quiroga vowed “radical change” and fiscal austerity. Analysts say the election marks a crossroads for Bolivia, opening a rare window for centrists and conservatives after two decades of MAS dominance.
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